Verstappen and Ocon to Start São Paulo GP from Pit Lane

The FIA has confirmed that Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon will both start the São Paulo Grand Prix from the pit lane due to power unit changes. This development significantly impacts the grid, especially for Verstappen, who was already facing a challenging race from 16th.

Why it matters:

• For Max Verstappen, a pit lane start is a drastic measure, highlighting Red Bull's aggressive strategy to salvage points after a disastrous qualifying session. This move underscores the team's determination to give their champion the best possible chance, even from the very back, and potentially keep his faint title hopes alive against the McLaren drivers.
• For Esteban Ocon, it's another blow in a difficult season, pushing him further down the order and making any points finish an uphill battle. This also raises questions about the long-term reliability of Haas's power unit components.

The Details:

• Max Verstappen's New Power Unit: Red Bull has opted to replace all components of Verstappen's power unit for the 71-lap race at Interlagos.
  • This includes a new internal combustion engine (ICE), turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, and control electronics.
  • Each of these components exceeds the season's mandated allocation, necessitating a pit lane start.
  • Additionally, Verstappen will use his seventh exhaust system, out of an allowed eight for the year.
• Qualifying Struggles: Verstappen's Q1 exit, starting 16th, was only the second time in his 228-race F1 career that he failed to escape on pure pace. The other six instances were all power unit related issues.
  • Team Principal Laurent Mekies stated that Red Bull took "risks" with Verstappen's car setup, which unfortunately backfired.
• Esteban Ocon's Engine Change: Haas has fitted Ocon's car with a new internal combustion engine.
  • This marks Ocon's fifth ICE, exceeding the allowed four for the season, thus also incurring a pit lane start.

What's next:

Both drivers now face an enormous task to climb through the field. Verstappen, with his new power unit, will be aiming for a strong recovery drive to score crucial points and, against all odds, try to keep the drivers' title fight alive. Ocon will be looking to make the most of his new engine to at least challenge for positions, despite the disadvantage of a pit lane start. The race will test the strategic prowess of both Red Bull and Haas, as well as the driving skill of their respective drivers under immense pressure.